One of my clients wrote me a list of 3 excellent questions she asks when clutter busting by herself. I'm sharing them with her permission.
"If I were to put in simple words what I have learned from you is this:
1. Does an item feed me and bring me joy?
2. Does an item burden me, resulting in my feeling anxious and/or depressed?
3. Doesn an item fit into my life NOW (not later)?"
To break the spell of clutter, you have to find a way to honestly ask about the things in your life. You can't show any mercy. Your peace of mind is at stake.